Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Hundreds of people gathered early Nov. 15 in
front of Japanese Prime Minister’s Residence in protest against the cabinet
decision on the nation’s new peace-keeping operation. With the government
trying to change the pacifist constitution that people protected for more than
70 years. This shall not, and cannot, be the turning point in Japan’s history.
A constitution scholar who joined the protest said, “This is nothing more than
violation of constitution,” while a journalist accused the government of its
willingness to sacrifice Japan’s Self-Defense Forces by saying, “what they need
in South Sudan is to keep peace.” “Are we about to make the same mistake we
made 70 years ago? We have not compromised so much as you can take Japan to
war,” a religious leader said. “Those of us who lost family members during the
war have not been healed even after 70 some years. We cannot send our youths to
war ever again,” said a surviving family member of war-time veterans. (excerpts
from Facebook page of No War・Protect Article 9 committee)

Braving the cold rain of November, a
larger-than-usual crowd of people staged a protest at the Diet. Many
non-Japanese protesters were also speaking up against the nuclear sales. Even
though Donald Trump, who opposes TPP, was elected president of the United
States the previous day, Prime Minister Abe forced passed Japan’s participation
in TPP by saying that it has already been decided. Abe and visiting Indian
Prime Minister Modi signed a nuclear agreement on Nov. 11, which enables
Japan’s nuclear export to India. Abe is trying to completely turn Japan into one
with an authoritarian regime. To protest against the Abe-led government,
members of opposition parties--Social Democrats, Liberal Party, Minshin and Communists--joined
the crowd and declared their solidarity in the next lower-house election. (By
KINOSHITA Masaaki) ＊Photo＝Misao-Redwolf chants anti-nuclear slogans. Youtube